Complications during Pregnancy

A women should care herself more during pregnancy. A minute incidence may sometimes be life threatening to the pregnant.Some danger signals:

If at any time during the first eight weeks of pregna­ncy, there is bleeding accompanied by recurring or continuous pain, as if caused by a sharp pointed object, there is a possibility that a miscarriage may occur. A pinkish discharge from the vagina in the twenty-eighth week indicates some abnormality or malfunction in the uterus.

Constant or recurring pain in the lower abdomen means some abnormality or malfunction in the uterus, which can result in miscarriage.

Before the expected end of term a discharge of clear fluid mixed with a little blood may be taken as a precursor of a mis­carriage or premature delivery.

Increase in blood pressure with consequent burning sensation in the eyes and constant headache, perhaps confin­ed to the anterior or the posterior half of the head, should be taken as indicating the necessity of increased care in guarding against miscarriage.

Frequent urination with associated pain may be a sign of urinary or renal (kidney) infection.

Swelling of the feet, or of the joints of the fingers, knees, etc., with puffiness of the face, a condition known as 'Oedema', is also a bad sign. Reduction in the intake of salt, and taking diuretics, if necessary, are generally sufficient to relieve the condition.

A rise in the temperature of the body of a pregnant woman should always be treated with utmost concern. Any fever in this stage may disturb the process and may create unnecessary complication. The pregnant woman should be always aware of this fact.

Frequent vomiting accompanied by no or very little water or liquids must warrant an immediate medical attention. If the woman is unable to retain food in the stomach, it sends danger signal to its retaining the foetus also.

Generally, during 24 hours preceding the delivery, no movements of the baby are felt, because it is in a state of rest. However, if movements are not felt for a period of 48 hours, a doctor should be consulted without delay.